Our Coaches
Orono Figure Skating Club carefully selects coaches who represent our mission of nurturing a culture that supports skating in a fun and friendly environment and that challenges everyone to perform at their very best. They are also all certified through Canada’s governing body of skating and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) so you can be assured you are getting high quality coaching.
Skaters registered in CanSkate and StarSkate 1 and 2 are not required to hire a private coach as the program is designed to be delivered in a group lesson environment, which is already built into the program fees when you register. However, in addition to group lessons, most of our skaters choose to hire a coach to deliver private lessons. It is not required, but recommended for skaters who intend to move forward into the higher levels of the Starskate program and/or participate in competitions.
Skaters in StarSkate 3+ have the option to hire a private coach. When choosing a coach there are several things to consider; cost, availability and qualifications. Please explore details below and feel free to make further inquiries to assure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Cost
Availability
Connect with one of our coaches below, who are currently accepting new skaters:
Qualifications
Ann Gouin
Certified National CoachAnn is a level 3 certified national coach. She started coaching at 18 in Quebec then moved to Ontario and has been coaching in Orono since 1988. She coaches Canskate to nationals level. She has had international athletes representing Canada at the Junior level. Ann still competes herself and is a technical specialist for star 5 and up competitions, working towards promotion for sectional level. She is an avid animal lover, volunteer with animal rescue, fosters, and helps with distribution of food to shelters and food banks. She owns her own zoo of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats). Ann believes that her job as a coach is to make sure all skaters become the best that they can be!
Melissa Rainford
Certified Provincial CoachMelissa has been coaching for 30 years and has been a member of Orono Figure Skating Club for over 40 years. As both a coach and a skating parent, she loves to see skaters set and reach their goals with the support of the Orono Figure Skating Club behind them.
Aimee Nelson
Certified Regional CoachAimee has been coaching professionally since 2000 and has worked with many skaters from age 2 to adult. Aimee is a certified teacher at Dunbarton High School in Pickering. She is in the Cooperative Education department head with qualifications in special education. Aimee is coaching recreational skaters looking to smile and have fun while learning!
Elizabeth Scott
Certified Regional CoachElizabeth has been coaching figure skating for the over 25 years and loves sharing her passion for the sport with skaters of all ages and abilities. As a qualified teacher, she brings patience, encouragement, and strong teaching skills to every session. Her coaching background includes skills, dance, and freeskate, giving her experience across many areas of figure skating. Elizabeth enjoys helping skaters build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their personal goals. Above all, she hopes to inspire a lifelong love of skating and make every athlete's experience on the ice a positive one.
Katie Parry
Trained Regional CoachHi, I’m Katie Parry. I grew up skating at BFSC, skated and coached while I was at University and I am currently skating competitively. My husband and I have 3 kids who are at the rink either figure skating or playing hockey - Freezing in rinks is not new to us! I have enjoyed coaching at Orono for the past 8 years in the Canskate and Starskate levels. I look forward to this years skating journey through building a community of fun, friendships and development of new skills on the ice!
Jennifer Urwin
Trained Regional CoachJennifer has been involved in figure skating since the age of 2 and has a strong background in Freeskate and Dance Pairs. With experience coaching skaters of all ages, she is passionate about helping each skater reach their full potential while developing a lifelong love of skating. As both a coach and a skating parent, Jennifer understands the importance of encouragement, dedication, and community in helping skaters achieve their goals.
Ava Boundy
Trained Canskate CoachAva has been a competitive member of the OFSC since she was 2 years old, qualifying for the Provincial Championships twice. She has naturally transitioned from competitor to coach and is a happy, welcoming face at the rink. She is excited to encourage, guide, and share her absolute love of the skating with the next generation.
Jorja Rainford
Trained Canskate CoachJorja may be new to coaching but she has been skating since the day before she turned 2 years old. Her patience and encouraging smile will help skaters in either CanSkate or StarSkate begin their skating journey on the right foot.
Mary-Catherine Connolly
In-Training Canskate CoachComing Soon!